IP-Networked CCTV in the Most Challenging Conditions

Reliability in sub-zero temperatures

The Kashagan Field in the Caspian Sea is considered the single most important discovery in the past 30 years and the world's fifth-largest oil field. The giant field covers an area of 75 km x 45 km, and it is currently estimated that the field holds up to 38 billion barrels of oil-in-place, of which 9 billion are potentially recoverable. With associated gas re-injection, recoverable reserves could increase to 11 billion.

The offshore location of the field means that it is subject to harsh conditions, where sea ice is present during the winter months, and temperatures can drop to -40°C. Due to such extreme conditions, Synectics has been working closely with Agip KCO, the operator for the consortium, on the Experimental Program design to ensure that the CCTV system solution provided can operate at such low temperatures.

To date, Synectics has provided an IP-networked CCTV system for onshore, offshore, and pipeline monitoring, totalling more than 300 COEX camera stations. This system has been fully integrated within Thales’ carrier-grade, multi-service communication subsystem, which includes public address, general alarm, and mobile radio systems.

The IP-networked CCTV was specifically designed for remote process plant monitoring from an onshore control room and incident management centre, with networking and security monitoring from gatehouses, warehouses, and other facilities. The COEX camera stations - made up of both Ex d hazardous and safe areas - and encoders will transmit over the LAN to distributed servers and storage units. Video management software and virtual matrix capabilities allow operators to select, access, control, and view camera locations throughout the plant via dedicated workstations.

Complete command and control

Synectics has also supplied the CCTV system for the 270MW, $190m Combined Cycle Power Plant and associated utilities via Bateman Litwin. The system will provide complete surveillance for the main generator buildings and outbuildings within the power station via more than 30 COEX camera stations, with the control system able to link to the onshore and offshore CCTV systems.

Synectics is currently working on further additions to the Experimental Program, consisting of an additional 160+ COEX camera stations and control equipment. All of these will link back to the previously supplied CCTV solutions to ensure complete operator command and management.

As such, Synectics is thoroughly involved and committed to this project for the foreseeable future, providing continuity to Agip for all its CCTV requirements.